Money will help the lonely

Deborah Punshon

A new £500,000 fund to tackle the modern-day epidemic of loneliness has been announced by the Scottish Government for the first time.

The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will support different types of activity that will help people who are lonely or at risk of bcoming isolated.

Now the Voluntary Action Fund (VAF), which will distribute the money on the Government’s behalf, is urging community groups and charities to apply for grants of up to £20,000.

Keith Wimbles, VAF’s chief executive said: “The VAF has always believed its role is about more than just money. Increasingly we’ve become aware of the value of developing connections, trust, relationships, shared values and mutually beneficial support, so this fund is very much in line with our core values. Through the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund, we look forward to supporting some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people through building social capital to make a real difference to their quality of life.”

The deadline for applications is May 20. Visit www.voluntaryactionfund.org.uk or contact VAF on 01383 620780.